Equality

The Victorian Government values and celebrates diversity. It affirms the right to equality, fairness and decency for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, and Intersex (LGBTI) Victorians and is committed to removing discrimination from Victorian laws, services and society.

What's happening?

Victorian Pride Centre

Better Together 2018

Better Together 2018 is a two-day national conference to be held at the Melbourne Town Hall in Victoria, Australia from 12 to 13 January 2018. The conference will explore current issues facing the LGBTIQ movement, bringing together voices from women’s rights, indigenous rights, disability, the Deaf community, and multicultural and faith groups.

DPC LGBTI Inclusion Plan 2017-2018

The Department of Premier and Cabinet has launched the LGBTI Inclusion Plan 2017-2018. The plan outlines the Department's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees. Download the LGBTI Inclusion Plan 2017-2018.

Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey

LGBTI Community Grants Program 2017/18

The 2017/18 grant round will be open for expressions of interest 19 October - 13 November. Click here for more information about how to apply.

Wear It Purple Day - 25 August 2017

Wear it Purple day aims to foster safe and accepting environments for young people who identify as LGBTI or live within rainbow families.

IDAHOBIT Reception 2017

On 15 May 2017 Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria welcomed over 900 guests from diverse LGBTI and ally communities to Government House to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This prestigious event was the first time that Government House has opened its doors to honour our diverse LGBTI communities on such a large scale. Guests of all ages, backgrounds and identities travelled from across Victoria to attend the reception. Learn more about the IDAHOBIT Reception at Government House.

LGBTI Community Grants Program 2016/17

The Victorian Government is supporting 38 community organisations and individuals improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of the LGBTI community. Read about the grant recipients for 2016-17.

Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Amendment Bill 2016

This Bill will be introduced in Parliament 18 August 2016 and removes the need for applicants to have undergone sex affirmation surgery before being able to apply for a new birth certificate. Read the media release.

Inclusive Language Guide

The Department of Premier and Cabinet has developed an Inclusive Language Guide to provide guidance to the Victorian Public Sector regarding appropriate language. Download the Inclusive Language Guide.

Message from Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality on Orlando shooting

"The shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando during the early hours of Sunday morning is a shocking and heartbreaking tragedy. The 49 reported killed and 53 wounded were LGBTI community members and allies."Read the full statement here.

Righting the Wrong - State Apology, Parliament of Victoria

On Tuesday 24 May at 2pm, the Victorian Government delivered a formal State apology in Parliament. The Government apologised to those convicted under unjust and prejudiced laws that criminalised homosexual acts.

Ro Allen, Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality

Ro is Victoria's first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner. Ro has over 20 years' experience in community services, governance, social justice and LGBTI advocacy. Ro was the former Chair of the Victorian Adult, Community and Further Education Board and a commissioner on the Victorian Skills Commission.

As founding CEO of UnitingCare Cutting Edge, Ro established Victoria's first rural support group for LGBTI young people and a state wide network facilitated through the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria for training and workers support.

Ro is the former Deputy Chair of the Hume Regional Development Australia Committee and former Chair of Communities for Children in Shepparton. Ro was appointed to the first Victorian LGBTI Ministerial Advisory Committee in 2001, chaired the second and served on the third Committee concluding in 2014. Ro was a member and later co-chaired the National Working Party for GLBTI Social Reform established from 2011 to 2013.

Ro is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was recognised for community service in receiving a Centenary Medal in 2003. In 2009, Ro was inducted into the Victorian Government Honour Role for Women.